Exploring plant music. A journey of connection and discovery
Boldog Gellért Hospital
Plant music brings scientific knowledge to an experiential level, showing that plants are constantly connected to and react to their environment. The sensory device transforms the bioelectrical activity of plants into melodies. Each note is born along with the ongoing processes within the plant, and its rhythm varies depending on the level of activity. The faster the melody, the more active the plant. In less active states, we may hear sounds less frequently, or even experience complete silence. The device connects to the plant using two electrodes: one placed on the leaves and the other in the soil, close to the plant's roots.
On April 22nd, Éva Iván art therapist (Boldog Gellért Hospital), with the involvement of Beáta Pántya visual researcher (ESSRG), conducted an art therapy session for a group of 10 people based on plant music. Due to the cold weather, the group remained indoors and used houseplants to activate the device. This was a new experience for the participants, who listened with interest to the music while collectively discussing the differences in the melodies produced by various plants. Several participants shared their own experiences with plants, and conversations about plant perception and communication emerged.
For the creating practice, Éva provided paper and oil/pastel chalks, asking the participants to depict what was currently within them. There was a desire for action, as participants embodied their inner movements and thoughts, and the situation fostered further non-verbal expression. Artworks related to plants, colorful waves, and dynamic movements emerged.
Based on feedback, participants enjoyed the plant music, finding it relaxing, and some would have liked to continue listening all day. However, for one participant, it was too relaxing and made him sleepy. Some participants expressed feeling a strengthened connection with plants and expressed a desire to observe plants found in nature using the device.
In the future, we plan to organize outdoor sessions, where we can activate the device with a greater variety of plants, experimenting together with the group participants.
Éva Iván and Beáta Pántya